Real Madrid took on Valencia in the semi-final of the Supercopa de Espana, and they emerged victorious by a 3-1 scoreline to book their place in the final.
Madrid dominated the first half as they had plenty of possession and looked confident on the ball. Toni Kroos opened the scoring through a moment of magic as the German caught the Valencia goalkeeper napping and scored directly from the corner kick. Isco doubled the scoreline in the 39th minute after Madrid built-up play smartly from the right flank.
Valencia never looked like making a come back as Real Madrid controlled the game from start to finish. Modric added the third with a smart finish in the 65th minute to put the tie to bed. Parejo scored from the spot for Valencia after a VAR check by the referee in the 92nd minute. That was only a consolation as Madrid deserved their 3-1 win.
Here is how they fared.
Thibaut Courtois 6.5
Wasn’t called into action much and made some regulation saves.
Dani Carvajal 7
Was involved in quite a few attacks and linked up play well. Defensively, he tracked back well when it was required.
Raphael Varane 8
Used his pace to good effect to stop some counter-attacks. Was decisive in his challenges and looked confident on the ball.
Sergio Ramos 7.5
Broke up play well from time to time and made some crucial interceptions. Read the game well and dealt with whatever danger that came his way. Gave away a penalty in the end as the referee deemed that Ramos handled the ball in the box.
Ferland Mendy 6
Had a mixed bag of a game as he gave away possession cheaply on a few occasions. Worked hard and always provided an attacking outlet on the left. However, he could have produced more quality when he got on the ball.
Casemiro 7
Helped in controlling the midfield battle. Unspectacular but a steady performance from the Brazilian as he helped in defence and moved the ball well.
Federico Valverde 7.5
His energy to drive the ball forward and fall back to defend was instrumental. Played a part in the second goal. Came close to scoring in the second half but missed his chance.
Toni Kroos 9
A moment of genius which led to the opener as Kroos instinctively took the corner early and caught the goalkeeper napping. Orchestrated play from midfield and was in the thick of things whenever Madrid moved forward. Linked up play well.
Luka Modric 7.5
Scored with a brilliant finish for the third goal. Dominated the midfield and made some incisive passes. Kept things simple for most parts and got the job done.
Isco 8
Got a rebound which he put away smartly to score Madrid’s second goal. Made a few brilliant runs from deep. Looked lively in the attacking third and played some good one-twos with others around him. His touches and flicks were eye-catching.
Luka Jovic 6.5
Wasn’t able to get in the game too much but made a few good runs to stretch play. Had one brilliant chance from close quarters which he failed to convert. Linked up play well.
Substitutes
Marcelo 6
Made a comeback from injury and looked good.
Mariano Diaz N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating
James Rodriguez N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating
